pairing: levi ackerman x femjazzsinger!reader
synopsis: in which, you challenge levi into becoming his favorite singer. and he agrees. not without a price.
details: fluff, might be slow burn, i lowkey don’t have a plan for this, writing just to write
Levi pushes the wooden door open. It’s heavy and splintered on his clothed arm, but right now that’s just what he needs.
The orange lighting emits onto his face, the warmth projecting onto his skin. He makes his way towards the back of the building, walking up to the bar.
“Levi!” The bartender says, all too enthusiastically. “How ya been, man?” he asks as they wipe a glass clean.
Levi simply nods his head, “Same as always.” He responds with the same nonchalance.
“Glad to hear.” He chuckles, “The usual?”
Levi pulls out a stool, the legs of it dragging across the ground. “Mhm.”
The bartender nods before he turns around and begins warming up the kettle. “Are you sure all you want is tea? We serve other beverages that don’t cost much..?”
“Tea is just what I like.”
The bartender doesn’t make small talk, instead he takes other people’s orders until the tea kettle starts to whistle. Then he turns around, craps a tea cup, pours the hot water, then a simple tea bag, and puts it in front of Levi.
Levi sips on the beverage, the low chatter of everyone else fills the room. Others were still coming in. Many were already seated in the chairs, holding a glass of champagne.
He sips on his tea while he observes the room. It was more chattery than usual. More smiles. Excitement was buzzing in the air for no obvious reason. Or at least that’s what Levi thinks.
Next to him, a young woman slides into the leather stool. Already ordering something from the bartender, to which he nods without any hesitation. Levi looks in the corner of his eye. She was wearing a midi length dress, the color navy blue, and white heels that had a small quarter. She smiles at him—gently.
“Good evening,” she greets. Levi simply nods.
“How has your night been so far?” She asks as the bartender slides her drink over, and she catches it with ease in her palm.
“Looking forward to the performances?”
Levi pauses and shrugs, “I suppose.”
“Huuuh? That’s no fun! Do you not find any of them entertaining?”
“I do.” Is all he says, unenthusiastically.
“Hmph…” She juts out her bottom lip. “What’s your name?” She asks while taking a sip of her beverage, her eyes never leaving his.
“Levi,” he answers and takes a sip of his tea, “What is yours?”
She shares her name and grins, “Let’s make a bet, Levi.” He raises a brow, prompting her to continue. “By tonight, I bet you’ll have a favorite performer.”
He stares at her with little to no expression, but a hint of speculation is in his eyes. Levi shrugs, brushing her offer off. “Alright then. I accept.”
She smiles and gets up, before patting his shoulder. “See you tonight, Levi.” She says with a cocky tone.
He doesn’t say goodbye. He watches her disappear into the crowd, before turning away and faces the counter again.
Later that night, a handful of singers came and got their fair share of praise. Levi’s now facing the stage, already holding his 3rd cup of tea that night.
“And tonight, we have a new performer!” The host introduces, “Please give her a warm welcome!” He says and the crowd begins to cheer.
And then it’s her. The strange woman and her navy blue midi skirt and short white heels. She glowed underneath the stage lights. Ethereal could’ve been her name. This time, she had light blue eye shadow and a red lip. Holding a violin in one hand, and the microphone in the other.
“Good evening everyone!” She shouts from the stage, the crowd cheers once more. “My name is (name), it’s so exciting to perform here!” She smiles. “I’ll be performing a song, written and composed by me.” Everyone applauses and goes silent.
The piano begins playing, a gentle and smooth rhythm. She starts to sing her first part of the song, and everyone is immersed in the experience.
Everyone, including Levi.
His tea is now cold, his eyes completely focused on her. She looks past everyone, and sees him. Her grin only widening as she finishes her verse. She lifts up her violin and begins playing, her body swaying along with the music.
She was alluring and angelic as she played her solo. The pianist quietly trailing behind her as she continued to play. The sweat glistened on her body, only making her look more delicate.
He shot down every thought of the woman’s appearance and turned back around, focusing on ordering not tea, but alcohol this time.
The bartender hands him the champagne and Levi sips the rest of it until the very end of the performance. The listeners give her the loudest ovation he’s heard in a while. Still, he doesn’t turn around.
After a few minutes, Levi is now holding a glass of water. The precipitation is already making the glass create a small ring on the wooden counter. When someone slips into the seat next to him.
Rather, she slips into the seat next to him.
“Well, what did you think, Levi? Impressed?”
He turns his head towards her, with no emotion, “It was a memorable performance.”
She tilts her head and grins, “Memorable enough that I’m your favorite now?”
He presses his lips together before looking back down at his drink, “Not yet.” He responds gruffly.
“Are you doubting me, oh Levi? Fine, let’s make a new bet then.” She smiles. “Your choice.”
After a minute, he finally looks up at her. His grey eyes looked sharp, and interested, “I bet..” he pauses and the corner of his mouth barely perks up, “I bet you won’t become my favorite in 3 weeks.” He clears his throat, “And if I win, you owe me dinner for the next 2 weeks.”
She matches his cocky smirk, “Fine. And if I win the bet,” She places a hand on his chest, “You take me out on a date.”
Levi eyes her, trailing up and down her face. Seeing if she is really serious. He scoffs, “You’ll regret ever saying that.” She raises a brow, Levi’s eyes roll. “Deal.”
She gives him a satisfied smirk before standing up, “See you next week. I hope you’ll keep your end of the deal.”
Levi watches her walk backstage. Her hips gently swayed with each step.
Levi Ackerman, felt drawn to her and this bet. If not, bewitched.